Hypocrisy And Integrity: Machiavelli, Rousseau, and the Ethics of Politics

Paperback | June 4, 1999

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Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be destructive. Hypocrisy and Integrity offers a new conceptual framework that clarifies the differences between idealism and fanaticism while it uncovers the moral limits of compromise.

"Exciting and provocative. . . . Grant's work is to be highly recommended, offering a fresh reading of Rousseau and Machiavelli as well as presenting a penetrating analysis of hypocrisy and integrity."—Ronald J. Terchek, American Political Science Review

"A great refreshment. . . . With liberalism's best interests at heart, Grant seeks to make available a better understanding of the limits of reason in politics."—Peter Berkowitz, New Republic

This refreshing study uses the judgments of political ethics to argue that hypocrisy can be positive while strict, principled behaviour can be destructive. Hypocrisy and Integrity provides a new paradigm that examines the differences between idealism and fanaticism. It also reveals the moral limits of compromise. The author also provides a contemporary view on the work of Rousseau and Machiavelli.